Open-plains wildlife
Wide grasslands make the Mara one of the easiest places in East Africa to watch animals at a distance, behaving naturally.
Kenya · South-western Kenya
Maasai Mara
Where the plains seem to have no edge.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve lies in south-western Kenya, within the wider Serengeti–Mara ecosystem that continues across the border into Tanzania. Its open grasslands, river forests and surrounding conservancies support some of Africa's richest wildlife viewing.
- Country
- Kenya
- Known for
- Big cats · Great Migration ecosystem
- From Nairobi
- About 5–6 hours by road, or a short flight
- Ideal stay
- 2–4 nights
The place
Maasai Mara, at a glance.
The Mara is a landscape of rolling grassland, scattered acacia and riverine forest along the Mara and Talek rivers. The reserve is bordered by community conservancies, and wildlife moves freely across the whole area.
Resident lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo and plains game are found year-round. From roughly July to October, the wider migration of wildebeest and zebras often reaches the Mara, although the timing changes from year to year.
Most Absolute safaris reach the Mara by road from Nairobi, crossing the Great Rift Valley. Budget safaris stay at Miti Mingi Eco Camp; our 3-day lodge safari uses Jambo Mara Safari Lodge.
The national reserve covers roughly 1,500 square kilometres, and the private and community conservancies around it add a similar area again. Conservancies limit vehicle numbers and some allow walking and night drives, which suits travellers who want a quieter experience; ask us when a conservancy stay fits your dates and budget.
Planning notes
- Official name
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Region
- South-western Kenya
- Known for
- Big cats · Great Migration ecosystem
- From Nairobi
- About 5–6 hours by road, or a short flight
- Ideal stay
- 2–4 nights
- Combines well with
- Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Serengeti
The appeal
Why visit the Maasai Mara?
Big-cat country
The reserve and its conservancies have well-known lion prides and are good cheetah and leopard habitat.
The migration landscape
The Mara forms the northern part of the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, where the herds often arrive in the second half of the year.
Mara River
Hippos and crocodiles live in the river year-round, and it is where migration crossings may take place.
Maasai culture
The reserve takes its name from the Maasai. Community visits can be arranged on the hosts' terms.
Wild encounters
Wildlife of the Maasai Mara.
Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, topi, hyenas, and hippos and crocodiles in the rivers. Black rhinos are present but rarely seen. Wildlife is free-ranging, so sightings vary from day to day and can never be guaranteed.
Close profile of a male lion's mane in long grass 
Cheetah standing on a mound overlooking the plains 
Leopard sleeping in the fork of a tree 
Zebras and wildebeest grazing on short grass plains
A moving story
The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara.
Wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move around the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in response to rain and fresh grazing. In many years they reach the Mara around July and stay until about October.
River crossings happen when the herds decide to cross and can take hours of waiting. A safari can be planned around these broad patterns, never around a promised crossing or a fixed date.
Travel through the year
When to visit the Maasai Mara.
July to October is the most popular period because of the migration, but the Mara is a year-round destination for resident wildlife. Choose dates around your priorities and budget.
Jan – Mar
Usually warm and fairly dry, with short green grass after the short rains. Good resident wildlife and fewer vehicles than peak season.
Apr – May
The long rains. Tracks can be muddy and some camps close, but the landscape is green and rates are often lower.
Jun
A transition month as the rains end. Grass is tall and herds may begin arriving from the Serengeti in some years.
Jul – Oct
Dry season and the most popular time, when the migration herds are often in the Mara. River crossings happen when the herds decide, so they can never be promised.
Nov – Dec
Short rains, usually in brief afternoon showers. The herds generally move back south into the Serengeti.
Your way of travelling
Ways to experience the Maasai Mara.
Optional activities are arranged separately and may cost extra.
01
Game drives
Full-day drives with a picnic lunch, or morning and afternoon drives with a midday rest.
02
Balloon safaris
Dawn balloon flights operate over the Mara, subject to weather and availability, at extra cost.
03
Maasai community visits
Optional visits to a local community, arranged with the hosts' consent.
04
Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons give the softest light on the plains.
The way there
Getting to the Maasai Mara.
By road
About 250–280 km from Nairobi, a five- to six-hour drive with stops at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and Narok.
By air
Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport serve several Mara airstrips, usually in under an hour. Soft bags and baggage limits apply.
From Tanzania
Our Kenya & Tanzania safaris cross between the Mara and the Serengeti via the Isebania border.
Finding your pace
How long to stay.
2 nights
A compact introduction with an afternoon drive, a full day and a final morning.
3 nights
Time to settle in and see the reserve at different times of day.
4+ nights
A slower pace and more chance to follow up on sightings, especially in migration season.
Where to stay
Accommodation in the Maasai Mara.
Our budget safaris use the property below. Mid-range and luxury lodges and camps are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates and preferences.
Tented eco camp · Maasai Mara
Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Canvas, birdsong and an early start for the Mara.
Trip ideas
Short trip
2 Days Maasai Mara Budget SafariNairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi
Combine it
5 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Budget SafariNairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Hell's Gate → Nairobi
The long way
14 Days Kenya & Tanzania Budget SafariNairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha
29 safaris
Safaris that include the Maasai Mara.
- Group joining
3 days · Kenya · Group joining
3 Days Maasai Mara Lodge Safari
The Mara, with lodge comforts
Wildlife safari · Mid-range
Three days in the Maasai Mara with two nights at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, a full day in the reserve and a sunrise drive before returning.
Price on request
4 days · Kenya · Private or group
4 Days Maasai Mara & Lake Nakuru Midrange Safari
Kenya's favourite short combination, in comfort
Wildlife safari · Mid-range
Two nights at a lodge in the Maasai Mara and a night at Buraha Zenoni in Nakuru, with a morning in Lake Nakuru National Park before returning to Nairobi.
Price on request
6 days · Kenya · Private or group
6 Days Amboseli, Lake Naivasha & Maasai Mara Luxury Safari
Kilimanjaro, a Rift Valley lake and the Mara
Wildlife safari · Luxury
A six-day luxury safari: two nights in Amboseli, a night by Lake Naivasha and two nights in the Maasai Mara, with lodge accommodation throughout.
Price on request
Group joining7 days · Kenya · Group joining
7 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Amboseli Budget Safari
Kenya's essential circuit in a week
Wildlife safari · Budget
A week covering four of Kenya's best-known destinations: the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha with Crescent Island, and Amboseli beneath Kilimanjaro.
From USD 840 pp
10 days · Kenya & Tanzania · Private or group
10 Days Kenya to Tanzania Midrange Safari
From Nairobi to Arusha the scenic way
Wildlife safari · Mid-range
A ten-day mid-range journey from Nairobi to Arusha: the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli in Kenya, then Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Price on request
Group joining2 days · Kenya · Group joining
2 Days Maasai Mara Budget Safari
A first taste of the Mara
Wildlife safari · Budget
The shortest way to see the Maasai Mara from Nairobi: a long first-day game drive, a night at Miti Mingi Eco Camp and a morning drive before heading back.
Standard USD 430 ppLow budget USD 350 pp
3 days · Kenya · Private or group
3 Days Kenya Tented Camp Safari – Maasai Mara
Two nights under canvas
Wildlife safari · Budget
Two nights in a tent at Miti Mingi Eco Camp with a full day in the Maasai Mara, including a picnic lunch near the Mara River.
Price on request
- Group joining
3 days · Kenya · Group joining
3 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari – Maasai Mara
Daily group-joining departures
Wildlife safari · Budget
The classic three-day Maasai Mara group-joining safari: an afternoon drive, a full day in the reserve and an optional Maasai village visit.
From USD 340 pp
Group joining4 days · Kenya · Group joining
4 Days Maasai Mara & Lake Naivasha Budget Safari
Plains, a freshwater lake and a gorge on foot
Wildlife safari · Budget
Two nights in the Maasai Mara, then Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park, where you can cycle or walk among wildlife.
Low season USD 590 ppHigh season USD 690 pp
Beyond the Maasai Mara
Where to next?
Before you go
Practical notes.
Vehicles
Game drives are in 4×4 safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, so everyone can stand to watch and photograph.
What to wear
Mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring layers, a warm top and a sun hat.
Park fees
Reserve entrance fees are set by the county authority and are included in our package prices.
Common questions
Maasai Mara, explained.
Where is the Maasai Mara?
In south-western Kenya, about 250–280 km from Nairobi. It forms the northern part of the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, which continues into Tanzania.
When is the migration in the Maasai Mara?
In many years the herds are in the Mara from around July to October, but timing depends on the rains and varies year to year. River crossings cannot be guaranteed.
How many days do I need in the Mara?
Two nights is a good minimum; three or four nights give a more relaxed pace and more time for sightings.
Is the Mara worth visiting outside migration season?
Yes. Lions, cheetahs, elephants and plains game live in the Mara all year, and the low and shoulder seasons are often quieter.
Can I combine the Mara with Tanzania?
Yes. Several of our Kenya & Tanzania safaris cross from the Mara into the Serengeti by road.
Can children visit?
Yes. Many families travel on our Mara safaris; tell us the children's ages so we can suggest a suitable pace and accommodation.
Where do budget Maasai Mara safaris stay?
Our budget safaris use Miti Mingi Eco Camp, a tented camp close to the reserve. Mid-range and luxury lodges and camps are agreed with you after you enquire.
Is the Maasai Mara the same as the Serengeti?
They are one ecosystem divided by the Kenya–Tanzania border. The Mara is the Kenyan, northern part; the Serengeti is the much larger Tanzanian part.
Your Maasai Mara journey
Ready to see the Maasai Mara for yourself?
Explore safaris that include the Maasai Mara, or tell us how you would like to travel.